Master-developer, Dubai South Properties, announced that investments in its first leasehold staff accommodation development, Sakany, have reached AED 500 million, helping to position the project as a regional benchmark for safe and secure housing for blue collar workers. The welfare of residents is central to Sakany’s proposition, reflected by its first-rate leisure facilities and well-equipped medical rooms.

Residents at Sakany enjoy state-of-the-art features and amenities that include self-cooking facilities; a dining hall that accommodates over 2,000 people at any given time; a contemporary, a multi-purpose hall in each building; landscaped courtyards; bicycle racks; covered bus shelters; a sports complex comprising football and cricket pitches, as well as two badminton, two basketball, and two volleyball courts, all of which are accessible 24 hours a day.

There is also ample parking available, which can accommodate every resident as well as additional visitors, following the recent extension of the car park. Moreover, the exceptional development features free Wi-Fi across all buildings, allowing residents to connect with their families abroad and use the internet freely. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the community has two separate access points, for Freezone and non-Freezone companies respectively, and is completely secured by CCTV surveillance to ensure the safety of all residents. Sakany also distinguishes itself by offering a gated, female-only building with its own grocery store located on the premises.

The entire development has a central AC system for better quality ventilation, giving it the upper hand over other staff housing developments across Dubai.  Sakany is fully-compliant with Expo 2020 welfare guidelines, making it the ideal accommodation for contractors working at the Expo 2020 site.

Opening soon as part of Sakany will be a new retail centre that will include Grand Supermarket, four restaurants, a cafeteria, barbershop, pharmacy, clinic, electronic and mobile shops, and a money-exchange outlet, representing a distinct value-add to the unique lifestyle that the project promises residents.

Mohammed Al Awadhi, from Dubai South Properties, said: “For many companies, the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the fact that health and safety is paramount when securing accommodation for staff.  Developing a purpose-built complex that offered an environment conducive to fostering an engaged, active and productive workforce was a priority for Dubai South from day one, when we set out to develop Sakany.  Beyond the many unique provisions already available at Sakany, we are committed to continually enhancing our offering, delivering on our promise to provide our residents with an exceptional experience that emphasises their welfare.”

Sakany currently accommodates 7,000 individuals, accounting for around 80% occupancy across ten buildings, all of which are equipped with dedicated medical and fit-for-purpose quarantine rooms to ensure the safety and wellness of residents. Phase 2 of the development was recently launched, offering 900 additional rooms in six state-of-the-art designed new buildings, ready to meet demand.